Off to its best start in 24 years, the Illinois State baseball team returns to the road Tuesday for a 3 p.m. mid-week game against Big Ten Conference foe Purdue at Lambert Field in West Lafayette, Ind.
"It is nice to get to play another Big Ten team, and Purdue is having a good season so far," Illinois State head coach Mark Kingston said. "We're excited for the challenge."
The Redbirds (13-6) and Boilermakers (13-6) both enter Tuesday's game following 2-1 series wins against Ohio Valley Conference schools. ISU beat Austin Peay in the Redbirds' first home series of the season, while Purdue topped Tennessee Tech on the road. With the series victory over the Governors, Illinois State built its best record through the first 19 games since beginning with a 15-4 mark in 1987. ISU was 10-9 at this point last season.
Senior outfielder, and Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week, Tyler McNeely will look to continue his success at the plate against the Boilermakers. The Normal, Ill., native led the Redbird offense last week, hitting .571 (8-for-14) and slugging .929 against SIU Edwardsville and Austin Peay. McNeely also amassed five RBI, scored four runs, and is currently leading the Redbirds with a .375 overall batting average, a .750 slugging percentage and a .538 on-base percentage. Purdue is led by Angelo Cianfrocco, who is hitting .425 through eleven games, with eight extra-base hits, including five doubles, one triple and two home runs.
Sophomore right-hander JD Learnard (1-1) will start for the Redbirds against junior right-hander Joe Haase (2-1). Learnard has a 3.48 ERA though five appearances and three starts, while Haase has a 4.57 ERA through six appearances and three starts.
ISU trails the all-time series versus Purdue, 13-15. The Boilermakers and Redbirds split their two midweek games a season ago, with the road team winning both dates. Tuesday's game is one of four this season against Big Ten opponents for the Redbirds. ISU beat Ohio State, 12-1, Mar., 11, travels to Purdue Tuesday, and plays Illinois twice, Mar. 30 (at Illinois), and Apr. 19 (at home).
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